Ghaziabad: Ahead of Diwali, the health department has directed all district hospitals and community health centres (CHCs) in Ghaziabad to keep burn units functional, reserve beds and ensure round-the-clock emergency services to handle a possible surge in firecracker-related injuries during the festival.In a directive issued to chief medical superintendents, medical superintendents and medical officers in charge, the department has stressed that hospitals must be prepared to provide immediate treatment to patients, particularly those suffering from burn injuries and eye damage, without having to refer them elsewhere during an emergency.The order specifically calls for the availability of ophthalmologists at all district hospitals and CHCs. In facilities where they are unavailable, hospitals have been asked to ensure the presence of optometrists to help those with firecracker-related eye injuries.The health department has also asked hospitals to ensure uninterrupted operation of the ALS 108 ambulance service to facilitate the timely transportation of patients requiring emergency medical attention.“Post Diwali, there’s a surgery in burn cases every year. Hospitals have also been instructed to ensure that their burn units remain fully operational, and beds are reserved for emergency cases,” said Sachin Vaish, chief medical officer, Ghaziabad.The directive also lays emphasis on ensuring adequate essential life-saving medicines, keeping firefighting equipment functional and maintaining cleanliness on the premises.
